Clerk misrepresents returns

By Teresa L. Benns

 SAGUACHE — In a press release printed in the Valley Courier and released to other area publications, Saguache County Clerk Melinda Myers made several misstatements concerning the actual outcome of the canvass board recount.

The Center Post-Dispatch did not receive a copy of Myers’ press release, later forwarded to this paper by a concerned citizen. Last week, the canvass board also forwarded an official copy of their findings following their Wednesday meeting, attested to unanimously by the board.

Contrary to Myers press release, the official canvass board statement found discrepancies in machine vote counts for all races and did not “sign off” on the final “audit” but instead submitted only a vote abstract as required by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. The board submitted the abstract with a long list of complaints.

Official records for the 2008 audit of all state elections also show that the Saguache County canvass board did not sign off on an audit for the general election,

The Center Post-Dispatch has reported throughout the recount process that Myers consistently misreports or denies the course of events surrounding the election in general and the actual details surrounding the findings of the canvass board. Complaints to this effect have been registered with the SOS but the State has either failed to address these complaints or has reaffirmed their support of Myers’ conduct and decisions in dealing with the election and subsequent recount.

The SOS also has failed to address the inability of incumbents to request a recount. According to State Statutes, only the losers in any given race are able to request such a recount.

A copy of Myer’s press release, printed exactly as issued by the clerk’s office, is reproduced below.

2010 Recount

Saguache County Clerk

Melinda Myers

The Saguache County Canvass Board met on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 to preform a mandatory recount of the Northern Saguache County Ambulance District mil levy ballot question. They also recounted by request of the incumbents, the County Commissioner and Clerk and Recorder races. There was no changes in the outcomes of any of the races. The 2010 General Election is now officially finished and final tallies have been signed off by the Canvass Board.

The M650 Ballot Scanner tallied the ballots accurately and quickly and will serve Saguache County well in future elections. Thanks to the Canvass Board, election judges and Clerk’s office staff for all their hard work auditing this election.

COUNTY RACES COUNTY COMMISSIONER - DIST 3 LINDA JOSEPH - D1205  STEVEN M. CARLSON - R1167  COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER MELINDA MYERS - D1222  CARLA V. GOMEZ - R1156  AMBULANCE DISTRICT NSCAD 5B - YES472NSCAD 5B - NO 471.  

For the complete article see the 12-09-2010 issue.